Hi all, I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 23,272 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Jace R.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Highland area are improving. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Madeline C.
This.
34 upvotes
Quinn Lopez
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Miles T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Josiah Reyes
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Carson White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 46, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Ella Martinez
I'm a electrician and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Sofia Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
ava_native
this is the way
5 upvotes
phoenix_melanie
yep
5 upvotes
Catherine L.
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Serenity Watson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.